Shoji Nakashima

Shoji loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away on December 19, 2013, at the age of 89. Sho was born in Caruthers on March 27, 1924, and lived and farmed in Caruthers his entire life. His mother Kiyoko gave birth to Sho and his twin sister, Kimiko, but tragically, she died unexpectedly due to complications of childbirth. His sister passed away a few months later. He is predeceased by his parents, Masakazu and Kiyoko; his sister Kimiko; and his stepmother, Chiyoko.

Sho attended and graduated from Caruthers schools. During WWII, the Nakashima family and 20,000 Japanese Americans were relocated to internment camps. Sho and his family were sent to Jerome, Arkansas then to Gila, Arizona. He joined the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany. Upon his return to the United States, he always remarked that while standing on deck of the ship, the sight of Statue of Liberty in New York harbor gave him a lump in his throat. He was a proud American through and through.

In 1950, Sho married Doris Gamow and started his own family and raisin farming business. The next time you enjoy some tasty Sun-Maid raisins, you can thank Sho! Sun-Maid honored Sho and Doris in 2012 as part of their 100th anniversary. He was very active in his local community, especially with the Caruthers District Fair, Bowles Buddhist Church and Hanford VFW. He enjoyed attending Fresno State baseball and softball games, traveling, day trips to the coast and shooting the breeze with friends. His newest pleasure was playing on his iPad and checking his email.

Sho is survived by Doris, his loving wife of 63 years; his sons, Alan and wife Linda of Fresno, Scott and wife Sandra of Selma and daughter Sherri, of Fresno. His grandchildren, Brooke Nakashima, Lindsay and Brandon Souza, Jennifer and Ben Pellizzaro and Lauren Nakashima, will truly miss their Grandpa, iPa and Kitty Grandpa. He is also survived by his older brother, Masao and wife Jean of Fresno; and many loving nieces, nephews and lifelong friends. Sho will be sorely missed by his little buddy, Mao the cat, whom he spoiled rotten.

The Nakashima family would especially like to thank Dr. Dennis Nakata for the many years of dedication, friendship and support and Dr. Joseph Pascuzzo and Dr. Tri Do of CCare for their kindness and compassion.

Our family is so proud of this strong, loving man who fought so hard to the very end so he could enjoy all the pleasures of life and his family and friends just a little bit longer.

Visitation will be held at Lisle Funeral Home on Sunday, December 29, 2013, from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

A Funeral Service will be held at Lisle Funeral Home on Monday, December 30, 2013, at 3:00 p.m. Graveside service will be held at Washington Colony Cemetery in Easton at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 31, 2013.